Chicchai Ossan

Go-Torch Character from Hyogo, Japan!

Ossan (often called Chicchai Ossan) is one of Japan’s top local mascots along with Kumamon and Funassy. There are more than 3000 Japanese mascots (called “Go-torch characters”) in Japan, each of them representing a specific prefecture or city.

Ossan’s real name is Shinichi Sakata. He is a middle-aged Japanese guy from Hyogo prefecture who speaks in Kansai dialect. Ossan is frequently seen on Japanese television commercials, programs, and game shows. He showed up as a “sticker” on the app LINE last year and ranked in the Top 3.

In Japan, Ossan has become one of pop culture’s favorite characters with his sharp tongue and warm fatherly advice. People in Japan think he is very funny — ask him to play the national anthem and see what he does! There is also a rumor that you can gain good luck if you get a chance to rub his shiny bald head… but you always have to ask him nicely before you reach for it!